A common question to ask someone when they’ve made a decision to take a new job is “why?” That question was certainly asked of me during the interview process to be your new dean. I’d like to start my introduction to you with an answer.

Every role I’ve been fortunate to have in higher education has been interesting to me because there was something at stake intellectually—a question to pursue, an idea to work out, and so on. That is absolutely the case here. There is something at stake in leading a college of liberal arts and sciences at this moment in time. As I think we all understand, this moment matters for the liberal arts and sciences and for higher education more broadly.

The University at Buffalo will have something to say about how AI develops. Much is at stake intellectually and otherwise when it comes to how we shape the future of AI and how these new technologies are part of how we shape the world. AI progress is accelerating, and technical and social transformations that are perhaps staggering in their implications are in full flight. The outcomes will be unevenly distributed in their visibility and impact. This is a moment where active and bold imaginations will serve us well. If we let our imaginations run wild, we might be able to think and feel and create our way to a better world.

To paraphrase Dewey, the liberal arts and sciences are most impactful when they move from being the tools of academics (alone) to methods for how we all deal with our lived experiences in our communities. I want this college and the larger university to shape and lead by ensuring our intellectual work gives people the tools they need to provide a technological world with human direction and to make noticeable improvements in their lives.

As I’ve tried to get to know you better from a distance, I’ve been most impressed by the quality of our research across the many disciplines in the college. The depth and breadth of the talent is inspiring, and it should give us all confidence that we can continue to develop individuals and teams to pursue paths to intellectual leadership in their respective fields and disciplines.

We face a chaotic funding and policy environment in higher education, and I know that many feel unsettled and unsure. Feeling this way is understandable. We will need to proceed with integrity and work together thoughtfully. There can be no question that the quality and impact of our research is a priority. We will lead from that strength.

The quality and impact of our educational programs must be strong as well, and this is another area where the emergence of new AI technologies gives us opportunities to invent new educational opportunities. I will want us to have a clear north star with regard to the transformative power of education. You will hear me talk often over the next few years about the Purdue-Gallup survey outcomes focused on what makes a difference at university for our students for their long-term success and wellbeing.

Those who talked with me about the University at Buffalo before and during the interview process described it as a kind place with people who collaborate genuinely and effectively. You are also likely to hear much more from me about the virtue of kindness. So far, I’ve been struck by how much people do care about each other, about the teams they are part of, about the university, and about the larger Buffalo community. Such a culture is special and not to be taken for granted. I promise to honor this care and affection and will work to help us strengthen it.

I am excited about what we can build together. I am thrilled to be your colleague and look forward to getting to know you better.

Sincerely, 

Jeff Grabill
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences